No one turned into a pumpkin when the clock struck 11, the mayhem just raged on. Wicked Manors Masquerade Mayhem consumed Wilton Drive from Five Points to Tulios, with thousands of costumed revelers. After 9 p.m., lines were still a block long to get in. The partygoers started leaving the street and packing the bars at 11.

Three stages, with people dancing in front, lined Wilton Drive while others floated from sidewalk bar to sidewalk bar gawking at costumes. The parking lot by Alibi was a food truck village while Hunters provided DJ Drew and libation locations in their parking lot.

The event was perfect for people watching; costumes ranged from sexy maid to sexy nurse to shirtless Sun Gods to people in onesies. But the best costumes showed up on the main stage at 8:15 p.m.

The costume contest was decided by the crowd, and contestants worked the ad hoc panel of judges. The group and theme categories were won by people in intricate, masquerade costumes. In one group, a couple was dressed in elegant capes, outfits, and skeleton masks giving Day of the Dead vibes.

For theme, the winner was in a chandelier costume. Black and gold and bigger than some chandeliers you’d see inside a palace.

Many worthy contestants took the stage for sexiest costume, and there really was no wrong choice. But the crowd favorite, by far, was Sexy Natasha, who was a spitting image of Scarlett Johansson.

Wicked Manors is held every year on Halloween. The fact that it was on a Saturday helped boost attendance. Proceeds benefit The Pride Center.

Photo by JR Davis.